Madison adopted Bird-Safe Glass guidelines for new municipal buildings and major UW-Madison projects. Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections, plus Wis. DNR rules, govern wild birds; lights-out programs reduce isthmus migration strikes.
Madison has adopted bird-safe building guidelines for city-owned new construction and substantial renovations, encouraging fritted glass, exterior screens, and reduced nighttime lighting during spring and fall migration. UW-Madison participates in Lights Out Wisconsin coordinated with Madison Audubon Society. Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §703) and Wisconsin DNR rules under ch. 29 protect native species; nests with eggs cannot be removed without permits. Window strikes can be reported to UW-Madison citizen-science programs. The isthmus location between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona makes Madison a major Mississippi Flyway stopover point.
Killing or harassing protected birds violates federal MBTA with fines up to $15,000; nest disturbance without DNR permits brings state forfeitures and habitat-restoration orders.
Madison, WI
Madison prohibits feeding deer, waterfowl, and most wildlife under MGO 23.32 and related park rules. Bird feeding in moderation is generally allowed. WI DNR ...
Madison, WI
Wildlife rehabilitation in Madison requires a Wisconsin DNR Class A or Class B rehabber license under Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 19. City ordinances bar private...
See how Madison's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.